Family calls woman who gave birth before dying from crash a hero

Little Mario Madero III, born Sunday after an Overland Park crash mortally injured his mother, is a “true miracle from God,” his family said Wednesday in its first public statement since the crash.

Family members described Denisse Liliana Ramos as a hero for giving them a baby “even as she suffered traumatic injuries.”

The 25-year-old Ramos, who was also known as Denisse Ramos Lopez, also left a 5-year-old daughter.

Mario Madero II, identified as Ramos’ husband in her obituary, was injured in the traffic crash that killed Ramos.

“On behalf of the Ramos and Madero families, we wish to thank everyone involved in the care of Denisse and her newborn baby,” the family said in the statement released through Overland Park Regional Medical Center, where the baby was born.

The family also expressed gratitude for the support and prayers they have received.

“We ask for your continued prayers, support and privacy as we adjust to our lives without her,” the statement said.

Ramos, of Kansas City, Kan., was critically injured Sunday night when another driver, allegedly fleeing from a police traffic stop, ran a red light at 75th Street and Metcalf Avenue and caused a three-vehicle collision.

She was taken to the hospital, where doctors delivered the baby before Ramos died.

Her son is still in the hospital but is listed in good condition.

Raphael Sherman, 21, of Shawnee, is charged with involuntary manslaughter and aggravated battery in the case.

Ramos worked in the business office at Bishop Ward High School. She had graduated from the school in Kansas City, Kan., in 2008.

“She was a warm, wonderful person with a quiet sense of humor,” the school said in a written statement. “This tragedy is a shock to the entire Bishop Ward community.”

A visitation and funeral Mass for Ramos will be Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 811 Vermont Ave. in Kansas City, Kan. Visitation starts at 10 a.m. and Mass will be said at noon.

Donations to assist the family can be dropped off or mailed to: Security Bank, The Denisse Lopez Memorial Fund, 1901 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. 66101, or any other Security Bank location.

A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help the family with hospital and funeral expenses.

This story was originally published January 13, 2016 at 2:30 PM.